News Summary
Lawrence ‘Lon’ Enkemann, Jr. passed away peacefully at the age of 78 in Livonia, Michigan. Renowned for his contributions to the wine industry and his dedication to family, Lon inspired many as a wine educator and cherished family man. He leaves behind a loving family and a remarkable legacy filled with unforgettable moments shared over wine and laughter. A visitation and funeral service are scheduled to celebrate his life.
Livonia, Michigan – Lawrence “Lon” Enkemann, Jr. passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025, at the age of 78. Known for his warmth and passion for wine, Lon Enkemann left behind a legacy as a beloved family man and respected wine educator.
Born on September 8, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, Lon dedicated his life to his family and his career in the wine industry. He was a devoted husband to Christine, sharing 57 years of marriage, and a proud father to his three children: Kimberly, Michael, and Meghan. Lon often referred to himself as “Daddy-o” and was a cherished grandfather to his grandson, Luke.
Lon spent much of his time at the family home in Northville and enjoyed summers in South Haven, where he loved to make memories involving simple pleasures, including wine, sunsets, beach walks, and family dinners. His passion for wine sparked a successful career in the industry, beginning in the Food and Wine department at Marshall Fields in Chicago. After relocating to Michigan, he thrived as the Wine Buyer for J.L. Hudson Company before becoming a well-respected wine educator.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Lon was known for his enthusiastic “Thirsty Thursdays,” where he would share special bottles of wine with friends and family. He was also an avid traveler, with adventures to California vineyards, Arizona, Florida, and Europe enriching his experiences and knowledge of wine.
Alongside his love for wine, Lon was a dedicated fan of the Detroit Lions, displaying unwavering optimism for the team through its ups and downs. His family noted his enduring spirit, especially as he battled pancreatic cancer with immense grit and resilience.
Lon Enkemann is survived by his children Kimberly (Carl) Stieler, Michael Connery, and Meghan (Brian) Gorman. His family also includes brother-in-law Steven (Debbie) Bacik, nieces Jessica and Ashley, nephew Nicholas, and their families, along with cousins Pat Connery, Marcia Maus Bollo, Billy, and David Maus.
A visitation honoring Lon’s life is scheduled for June 24, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Harry J. Will Funeral Home in Livonia. A final viewing and prayer session will take place on June 25, 2025, at 9:00 AM, followed by a funeral mass at St. Kenneth Catholic Church in Plymouth.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Lon Enkemann can be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, reflecting his commitment to service and community. His family invites all who knew and loved Lon to join them in celebrating his remarkable life.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Lon Connery
- Wikipedia: Winemaking
- Cleveland Obits: Karl Goering
- Google Search: Wine Education
- Legacy: Virginia Watson
- Google Scholar: Pancreatic Cancer
- Tribute Archive: Barbara L. James
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wine Industry
- MLive: Karlene Werner
- Google News: Detroit Lions
Author: STAFF HERE NORTHVILLE WRITER
The NORTHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENorthville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Northville, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Summer Concert Series, Tunes on Tuesday, and the Northville Farmers Market. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Northville Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, software, and retail that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Reliable Software, and Attendance on Demand. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
